Things to do in Wubu County
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Top 10 attractions in Wubu County
Qikou Ancient Town
Qikou Ancient Town, located 50 kilometers south of Linxian County, Shanxi Province, is a famous historical and cultural town in China. Xiwan Village in the town is a famous historical and cultural village in China. Moraine (sound qi) mouth is located in the middle of the Shanxi-Shaanxi Gorge of the Yellow River, 48 kilometers south of the county seat, and adjacent to the ancient town of Mengmen in the south. The Yellow River comes from the north, the Qiushui River comes from the east, the Crouching Tiger Mountain is across the north of the town, the Black Dragon Temple stands on the east of the river, the mountains are surrounded by the water, the yin and yang meet, the momentum of the mountains, and the majesty of the river, condensed into "The Yellow River roars with tigers, The magnificent picture of Longyin Moraine Mouth.Lin County · 21.7 km from Wubu County
Wubu Ancient City
Wubao Ancient City is located 2.5 kilometers north of Songjiachuan Town, Wubao County, on the west bank of the Yellow River. It is a relatively well-preserved thousand-year-old ancient county in Northwest China. The Yellow River is a pond, the gully is a moat in the west, the official road through the city down to the river bank in the south, and the throat road outside the north gate connecting to the back mountain. It is on the rocky mountain of the Yellow River, so it was called "Bronze Wubao" by the ancients.Wubu County · 2.3 km from downtown
Lijiashan Village
Lijiashan Village is an ancient cave-dwelling village hidden in a loess mountain hollow south of Qikou Ancient Town, surrounded by mountains on three sides and near the Yellow River and the Qiushui River. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Qikou developed into a commercial port thanks to Yellow River water transport, and merchants surnamed Li who did business there settled their families in this hollow, gradually forming a clan village. The painter Wu Guanzhong visited the village twice for inspiration and listed it as one of the three great discoveries of his life. The village spreads out in layers along the mountain terrain, with Ming and Qing dynasty cave-dwelling courtyards stacked from the foot of the mountain to the ridge along the steep slope, forming a multi-dimensional village with staggered layers. The upper courtyards often sit on the roofs of the lower cave dwellings, and stone paths connect the homes. Walking through them, you can see the layout where the cave dwellings are intertwined with the mountain. Courtyards of wealthy families from that era are still preserved on the east and west slopes, with exquisite details such as brick carvings, stone carvings, and upturned eaves. Some of the cave dwellings in the village are still inhabited today, where traditional dwellings and daily life are intertwined.Lin County · 20.1 km from Wubu County
Qikou National Scenic Area
Qikou National Scenic Area gets its name from Datong Qi. "Qi" refers to dangerous shoals of sand and stone in shallow water. As the Yellow River flows through here, the river channel narrows, making it difficult for boats and rafts to pass, forcing them to dock, unload cargo, and switch to land transport. With its water-land transfer wharf, Qikou rose to prominence during the Qianlong reign of the Qing dynasty and became a major commercial hub in the north for the next two hundred years. Qikou Ancient Town is the main part of the scenic area. The five-li long street runs along the mountain and river, and the stone-paved street surface, along with Ming and Qing dynasty commercial establishments and old shops, preserves the traditional streetscape. Heilong Temple is built against Wohu Mountain. From there, you can overlook the Yellow River, the mouth of the Qiushui River, and the full view of the ancient town. The temple's opera stage also has a unique acoustic effect. Xiwan Village preserves extensive Ming and Qing dynasty residential courtyards, while Lijiashan Village is characterized by cave dwellings built into the mountainside in stacked tiers. Traditional dwellings are also preserved in the Zhaizishan area. Along the Yellow River canyon, you can also admire natural water-eroded reliefs. The views of rock walls formed by the long-term action of river water, wind, and rain stretch out, showcasing the unique natural landscape of the Yellow River canyon.Lin County · 28.8 km from Wubu County
Jinci Temple Museum
Jinci Temple is located on the banks of the Jin River at the foot of Xuanweng Mountain, 25 km southwest of Taiyuan. It was built by later generations to commemorate Tang Shuyu, the founding feudal lord of the Jin State, and served as the ancestral temple of the Jin State. It is often said that "a visit to Taiyuan is incomplete without seeingJinci Templethe saying "a wasted trip to Taiyuan". After getting off at Jinci Temple, the first place you'll reach isJinci MuseumThis is a free park with a pleasant environment, perfect for casual strolling. After about a 10-minute walk through the park, you'll reach the main area of Jinci. Inside Jinci Museum,Jinci TempleThe "Three Treasures" (Xian Hall, Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond, and Shengmu Hall) and "Three Wonders" (Zhou-bai, Nanlao Spring Pavilion, and painted clay sculptures) are must-sees for every visitor toJinci Templeview that everyone must see. Jinci TempleThe "Three Treasures" are connected and located atJinci Templeon the central axis, allowing for a combined visit. Xian Hall is a place for offering sacrifices, with fence-like walls on all four sides, providing good ventilation and coolness. Notably, not a single iron nail was used in the beams and pillars throughout the hall. The Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond is located in front of Xian Hall and was built during the Song Dynasty. The entire view resembles a modern overpass, making it the only existing example among ancient bridges in China. One end of the "Flying Bridge" connects to Shengmu Hall, which is the earliest existing main building in Jinci Museum. The main hall is spacious, and a major highlight is its beam-and-pillar structure without internal columns. Eight wooden carved coiled dragons, appearing ready to fly, are carved on the eight corridor pillars in front of the hall, which, together with the "Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond," present a magnificent sight. Centered around the Hall of the Holy Mother, it's easy to find the "Three Wonders." The painted clay figurines are located inside the Hall of the Holy Mother, with the main statue of the Holy Mother seated majestically in a wooden shrine, dignified and resplendent, while the other 42 attendant statues stand on either side. These figurines are dressed in vibrant colors with varied expressions, including one maidservant dressed as a flower-dan (young female role in Chinese opera), her face half joyful and half sorrowful, evoking complex emotions in viewers. Master Mei Lanfang once stood before this maidservant statue for a long time, carefully studying her posture and inner emotions, and praised it highly. The Zhou Cypress, located north of the Hall of the Holy Mother, was planted during the Western Zhou Dynasty and is over 3,000 years old. The Pavilion of the Never-Aging Spring stands south of the Hall of the Holy Mother, where the source of the Jin River flows continuously year-round. In addition,Jinci TempleInside, there is also the extremely precious "Jinci Inscription" stele, personally composed and handwritten by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin. At the southernmost part, you can find the Shifang Fengsheng Zen Temple, which is said to have originally been the villa of Yuchi Gong, a founding general of the Tang Dynasty. In the northern part of the temple complex, the Futu Courtyard houses the Sheli Shengsheng Pagoda. Climbing the pagoda offers a panoramic view.Jinci TempleThe panoramic view is clearly visible.China · Taiyuan
Little Western Paradise
Little Western Paradise is perched atop Phoenix Mountain in Xi County, Linfen, Shanxi Province. This Buddhist temple, originally named the Thousand Buddha Nunnery, was established during the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty. It earned its initial name from the thousand Buddha statues enshrined in its Main Hall of the Great Hero. Later, it was renamed due to the inscription "Entering the Western Paradise" above its gate and to distinguish it from another ancient temple, "Great Western Paradise," located south of the city. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing a river in front, the temple is compact yet ingeniously laid out across its upper and lower courtyards. Ascending the stone steps and passing through the secluded "Heavenly Grotto" corridor evokes a sense of gradually entering a Buddhist paradise. The upper courtyard centers around the Main Hall of the Great Hero, flanked by the Manjusri Hall and Samantabhadra Hall. The Main Hall is the temple's crowning jewel: within its modest 100-square-meter space, nearly 2,000 suspended sculptures adorn niches, gables, beams, and rafters, transforming the hall into a museum of suspended sculpture art. Five interconnected niches dominate the rear wall, housing the Medicine Buddha, Amitabha, Sakyamuni, Vairocana, and Maitreya seated on lotus thrones, with ten principal disciples standing beside them. The southern wall depicts Buddhist narratives featuring the Four Sages and Four Heavenly Kings, while the northern wall portrays the 33 celestial palaces of Mount Sumeru. Flying apsaras, divine birds, and musician bodhisattvas dance among clouds on the beams, their gilded polychrome surfaces retaining vibrant hues after centuries. This rare collection of late Ming to early Qing suspended sculptures has gained wider recognition since the temple became a filming location for the popular game Black Myth: Wukong, attracting many travelers for dedicated visits. The lower courtyard also rewards exploration: the Immeasurable Hall faces east, where dozens of bronze Buddha statues interplay with wooden celestial palaces in what was once the monks' meditation hall. Opposite stands the Skanda Hall, housing a single nanmu-carved statue of Skanda. The temple also preserves thousands of volumes from the Yongle Northern Canon, a Ming imperial gift. Visitors are advised to spend extra time in the Main Hall—dim lighting requires slow, upward gazes to appreciate the intricate details of the high-placed sculptures. After exploring both courtyards, one can ascend Solitary Paulownia Peak via the "Seemingly No Path" route behind Skanda Hall, where the Cloud-Touching Pavilion offers panoramic views of the rural landscape below.Xi County · 85.3 km from Wubu County
The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area
The Hukou Waterfall is a famous waterfall on the Yellow River. The roiling water of the Yellow River roars downward here with great power. The Hukou Waterfall area is divided by the Yellow River. On the west side is Yichuan County, Shaanxi, and on the east side is Ji County, Shanxi. The waterfall is also divided into the Hukou Waterfall (the part of the falls in Shaanxi) and the Shanxi Hukou Waterfall (the part of the falls in Shanxi). Separate tickets are sold for each area. The Shanxi section of the Hukou Waterfall is located 45 kilometers west of the seat of Ji County in Linfen City, Shanxi.China · Ji County
Pingyao Ancient City
Pingyao Ancient City is approx. 85 km from Taiyuan. The streets, shops, and residences within the ancient city still maintain their traditional layout and appearance, making it one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China. It is also the only ancient county town in China that has successfully been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an entire city. Pingyao was once the financial center of China during the late Qing Dynasty. Walking through this once-prosperous ancient city, you can feel the essence of Shanxi merchant culture everywhere. The ancient city has six gates in total, with the north gate near Pingyao bus station and the west gate nearPingyao train stationThe south gate and west gate are places with many travelers. Entering the ancient town does not require an admission ticket, but if you want to climb the city wall or visit attractions like the ticket number, you need to purchase a pass for the ancient town. The ancient town is not very large, and walking is enough to explore it all. If you prefer not to walk, you can also take electric bikes. The streets of the entire ancient city are laid out in the shape of the Chinese character "土" (earth). When visiting, you usually enter the city from the West Gate and walk along West Street to Rishengchang Draft Bank, known as the "ancestor of modern Chinese banking". Here you can not only learn about the development history of ancient banking, but also have the old manager in a long robe and mandarin jacket write a draft for you using the early draft method, which is particularly historical. Moving forward is the north-south spanningSouth street, it is the central axis of the ancient city. During the Ming and Qing dynasties,South streetControlling over half of the nation's financial institutions, it was hailed as the "Wall Street of China" in its heyday. Today, it remains a bustling area of the ancient city, known as the Ming-Qing Ancient Street. Most attractions in Pingyao Ancient City are concentrated here, centered around the landmark structure, the Ancient City Tower. Surrounding it are attractions like Xie Tong Qing ticket number (China Banking Museum) and Wei Tai Hou (Ticket number museumAttractions such as Baichuantong, China Escort Museum, Tongxinggong Escort, Weishengchang, China Rare Newspaper Exhibition Hall, and Tianjixiang are available, along with restaurants, musical instrument stores, cafes, and bars. After strolling along the street, you can dine here, buy some souvenirs, and then continue south for more sightseeing. At the Pingyao Ancient City's county government office on the south side of the ancient city, you can see a large number of ancient documents and torture instruments, with daily performances of court sessions; near the Shangdong Gate are the Pingyao Ancient City's Chenghuang Temple andConfucian templeIt is quite grand and meticulously built, with thriving incense offerings where you can burn joss sticks. The Pingyao Ancient City wall is also one of the highlights of the ancient city, being not only majestic but also remarkably well-preserved. Climbing the wall offers a panoramic view of the entire ancient city. Among the gates, the tower of the south gate (Yingxun Gate of Pingyao Ancient City wall) is exquisitely crafted, and this area is close to residential buildings, allowing visitors to observe the daily life of the locals. If time permits, you can walk around the ancient city along the wall to fully appreciate its charm, which takes about an hour. Watching the sunset from the wall in the evening presents a beautiful scene. Besides the ancient town itself, Pingyao has two other major attractions: Zhenguo Temple and Shuanglin Temple. Zhenguo Temple was built without a single nail, with all structures joined by interlocking wooden components. Shuanglin Temple houses over 10 halls containing exquisitely crafted painted sculptures dating from the Yuan to Ming dynasties. It is highly recommended to stay overnight in the ancient town to enjoy its night view. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the small alleys and experience the authentic Pingyao, where the local culture and customs or photography make excellent subjects. Especially during the Chinese New Year, Pingyao is full of festive atmosphere. The town features old courtyards converted into inns, which are usually affordable, with clean and tidy accommodations available for just a few dozen yuan. Additionally, Pingyao is renowned for its beef. In the late Qing Dynasty, Empress Dowager Cixi passed through Pingyao and was so fond of the local beef after tasting it that she designated it as a royal tribute. Shops bearing the name "Guanyun beef" can be seen everywhere in the ancient town, making it hard to distinguish authenticity, and prices are generally high. You may consider buying some outside the town to try or give as gifts to friends and relatives.China · Pingyao County
Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River
The Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River is located on the riverbed of the Yellow River in the Qin-Jin Grand Canyon, where the provinces of Shanxi and Shaanxi face each other across the river. The main stream of the Yellow River, originally hundreds of m wide, suddenly narrows to dozens of m and plunges into a deep trough with a drop of 20–30 m, resembling water being poured from a giant pot—hence the name "Hukou" (Pot Mouth). Due to the large amount of sediment carried by the river, the waterfall presents a rare golden-yellow view: the turbid waves roar down with a sound like distant thunder rolling through the valley, while the rising mist lingers before the cliff, earning the nickname "smoke rising from the water." On sunny days, sunlight casts a rainbow over the waterfall, known as "a rainbow playing in the water." The mist may drench visitors even without wind or rain, creating the wonder called "rainfall under a clear sky." Hukou waterfall is regarded as the symbol of the "soul of the Yellow River" and the spirit of the Chinese nation. In 1938, when poet Guang Weiran crossed the Yellow River, he witnessed the roaring waves of Hukou and the boatmen's chants, which inspired him to create the now-legendary Yellow River Cantata. Liang Heng's essay of the same name was selected for middle school Chinese textbooks, and the back of the fourth series CNY 50 banknote also features this scene. Many first learned about it through textbooks and currency before visiting in person. In the past, cargo ships had to leave the water and bypass the waterfall here, leaving behind the maritime memory of "sailing on dry land." The scenery here varies with the seasons: In early spring, the upstream ice melts and the water level rises sharply, coinciding with the blooming of mountain peach blossoms on both banks, known as the "March peach blossom flood." In midsummer, the rainy season brings abundant water, with muddy waves towering into the sky. After fall begins, the rainy season subsides, and the water becomes high and steady. As the fall breeze sweeps by, rainbows often appear, earning the name "Hukou autumn breeze." In deep winter, layers of ice form along the banks, and overflow freezes into inverted ice peaks, glistening under the sunlight, creating the spectacular "upside-down ice peaks." The viewing platform on the Shaanxi side stretches along the cliff top on the western bank, offering a commanding view of the "thousand-mile Yellow River funneled into one pot" and the ten-mile-long Dragon Trough below the waterfall. During high-water seasons, the mist is heavy, and clothes get soaked quickly, so remember to protect your camera and phone; the boardwalk is slippery, so watch your step while walking and taking photos.China · Yichuan
Shanxi Museum
"Five thousand years of history can be seen in Shanxi." Located on Binhe West Road in Taiyuan, the Shanxi Museum showcases the essence of Shanxi's cultural relics. The museum consists of a main building and four corner annexes, with the main building resembling both a dipper and a ding vessel, serving as the primary venue for travelers to view the collection. The main building has four floors. The first-floor lobby features a general service desk, while the second and third floors host thematic exhibitions on history and culture. The fourth floor showcases art-themed exhibitions, which together form the permanent displays of the Shanxi Museum. After entering the first-floor lobby, proceed to the second floor via the stairs to begin the historical journey themed "Soul of Jin." The cultural and historical thematic exhibition showcases the highlights of Shanxi's five-thousand-year civilization through numerous precious artifacts, ranging from ancient human relics to the rise and fall of Shanxi merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties over five centuries. During your visit, several exquisite artifacts are not to be missed. The bird zun, a bronze ritual vessel from the Western Zhou period, was used in the ancestral temple sacrifices of the Jin marquis. The bird zun features an exquisitely crafted design with a phoenix as its main form. On the phoenix's back rests a small bird, serving as the handle for the vessel's lid. At the tail of the phoenix, an elephant is depicted, with its long trunk perfectly balancing the phoenix's two legs to form a stable tripod base. This artifact is a representative piece among the bronze collections in the museum. In addition, you can also admire: the Houma covenant texts, which are oath documents from the Spring and Autumn period used by the ministers of the Jin state; the lacquered wooden panel paintings, a painted screen from the Northern Wei dynasty depicting colorful stories from the "Biographies of Exemplary Women"; the white marble sarcophagus, a relic from the Sui dynasty, belonging to a tomb occupant who was a member of the Central Asian Yu people, with intricate carvings both inside and outside the sarcophagus, featuring figures with deep-set eyes, high noses, and black hair, characteristic of the Mediterranean Caucasian race. In the cultural thematic exhibition, you can also learn about the origins and development of Buddhism and traditional opera in Shanxi. The fourth floor of the main hall features an art thematic exhibition area. Among them, the "Timber and earth splendor" - ancient architectural art thematic exhibition showcases Shanxi's status as a province rich in cultural relics and ancient structures. "For above-ground relics, look to Shanxi" - Shanxi is renowned as the "treasure trove of ancient Chinese architecture," boasting over half of China's above-ground ancient structures with comprehensive categories, especially in the quantity of religious buildings. If you're a fan of ancient architecture, this is a must-visit. The Shanxi Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions periodically. At the first-floor lobby service desk, services such as hiring on-site guides (Chinese and English) and renting audio guides are available. The main building also houses a restaurant and a tea house for visitors.China · Taiyuan
Free things to do in Wubu County
Qikou Ancient Town
Lin County · 21.7 km from Wubu CountyWubu Ancient City
Wubu County · 2.3 km from downtownLijiashan Village
Lin County · 20.1 km from Wubu CountyQikou National Scenic Area
Lin County · 28.8 km from Wubu CountyShanxi Museum
China · Taiyuan
Xinzhou Ancient City
China · Xinzhou
Xiwan Village
Lin County · 22.5 km from Wubu County
Taiyuan Ancient County
China · Taiyuan
Suide Shuangshui Village
Suide · 29.5 km from Wubu County
Donghu Vinegar Garden
China · Taiyuan
What travellers say about Wubu County
320***35August 31, 2026
5.0
Definitely worth seeing! With over thirty actors, every movement and every line was incredibly professional and dedicated – not at all perfunctory! A fantastic live performance! The stage is movable, and the scenery and stage design were meticulously crafted! Thumbs up! 👍 Everything was very well-conceived, and the content was incredibly rich! I learned so much more about the history of Qikou!
Qikou Ancient Town
E50***89October 29, 2021
5.0
Wubao Stone City is located on the top of a mountain on the west bank of the Yellow River, 2.5 kilometers north of Songjiachuan Town, Wubao County. Wubao Ancient Stone City is the most well-preserved thousand-year-old county town in the northwest region. It is located on the eastern border of the Yellow River Plateau and the western bank of the middle reaches of the Yellow River. It is a strategic point of transportation between Qin and Jin. It has the Yellow River as a pond in the east, gullies as moats in the west, an official road to the city to the river bank in the south, and a throat road outside the north gate connecting to the back mountain. It is truly a dangerous place where "one man guards the pass and ten thousand men cannot open it."
Wubu Ancient City
骑着蜗牛赶绿灯July 27, 2026
5.0
This is a unique ancient village in Shanxi, featuring loess cave dwellings. With its distinctive topography, expansive views, and pristine, untouched commercial environment, it's free to visit, offering exceptional value. Quiet and less crowded, it boasts stunning photo opportunities and a relaxed pace suitable for all ages. A visit of 1.5-2 hours is recommended, making it a must-see hidden gem on the Lüliang self-driving loop.
Lijiashan Village
滇国剑客October 1, 2021
5.0
Qikou is a place with early human activities. People here have created a long history and excellent culture. Therefore, Qikou Scenic Area occupies an important place in the hearts of tourists.
Qikou National Scenic Area
WilsonOctober 24, 2026
4.0
One of the must-see attractions in Taiyuan!
The Jinci Museum is definitely worth a visit. The artifacts on the ground offer a glimpse into Shanxi, truly a glimpse into a thousand years of history. You can also take photos similar to those in Journey to the West.
The Jinci Park outside the museum is also worth exploring. Although it's newly built, the vegetation coverage is excellent, with flowing water and a lovely environment.
Jinci Temple Museum
666猪猪侠666October 22, 2026
5.0
The first time I visited Xiaoxitian was on a rainy day, and the lighting in the main hall wasn't very good. To make up for that, I came back to Xiaoxitian again, and the weather was perfect. When the sunlight shone into the main hall, the shock and beauty I saw far exceeded what I could see in photos!
Little Western Paradise
陈呱呱🍭October 22, 2026
5.0
I only went to the Shanxi entrance; I don't know if I can enter through the Shaanxi entrance. Seeing the Yellow River, the Mother River, was still very impressive; seeing it in person is definitely a great experience. There were also performances.
The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area
Kimberly NolanOctober 23, 2026
5.0
We came to Pingyao as a stop off on the way to Xi’an from Beijing. We didn’t book a guide, just thought we’d explore and that turned out to be perfect for us. We spent one full day exploring the streets, attractions, the wall and the many shops and restaurants. We also caught the evening light show which was a highlight. A great day and well worth the visit.
Pingyao Ancient City
Anonymous userOctober 20, 2026
5.0
A Family Review of Hukou Waterfall (100 words)
Visiting Hukou Waterfall with friends is definitely worthwhile! The Yellow River rushes down with tremendous force, its roar audible from afar. Standing on the viewing platform, experiencing the Mother River is truly magnificent. The path is relatively smooth, making it easy for seniors to view. However, the water mist is heavy, and the wind can easily get your clothes wet, so remember to bring a jacket.
You need to take the scenic shuttle bus.
Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River
Anonymous userOctober 7, 2026
5.0
The tour guide was attentive and incredibly friendly, covering everything he needed to, and explaining things in considerable detail. With so many people during the National Day holiday, his experience helped us squeeze in every possible moment, and surprisingly, the trip wasn't crowded at all. The Yungang Buddha and the VR tour of Wutai Mountain were definitely worthwhile, and the Yanmen Pass Great Wall and Wang Family Courtyard were also very enjoyable. The driver was fantastic, incredibly experienced, and knew many shortcuts to Xiaoxitian, taking us directly to the scenic area entrance and saving us a lot of walking. The small group size meant it wasn't crowded, and the hotel arrangements were quite reasonable. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the Yanmen Sunset, and the Wang Family Brick Carvings were all breathtakingly beautiful. The local tour guide was completely transparent and honest. I highly recommend this Shanxi tour; if you want to see ancient architecture but are afraid of doing research, book this tour without hesitation.
Shanxi Museum
